Houllier's assistant, Phil Thompson, said the Liverpool manager, who spoke to his players before their 3-0 defeat of Newcastle on Wednesday, participated in the 45-minute session despite the bad weather.

"He said to me on the training ground that it felt like Christmas being back - and he wasn't referring to the weather, even though it was lashing down," Thompson said.

"It was a dreadful morning, that's why he was wearing his bench coat. He wasn't fully involved. He doesn't come in every day but he is easing his way back and he is being sensible.

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"He has an input and it's always good for the players to see him. He talks to them and also puts in a couple of hours in his office a few days a week. But he will not be making the trip to Barcelona for the Champions League tie."

The club's admission that Houllier is back in some capacity marks a remarkable recovery that began in the days after Oct 13 last year, when the Frenchman was rushed to hospital with a dissected aorta at half-time during a home game against Leeds United.

On Nov 16, Houllier was back at Melwood to reassure players and staff that he would return to the club as manager. He also attended Liverpool's annual meeting last December.

Liverpool will be without Michael Owen for the crucial Champions League Group B game tomorrow but England midfielder Steven Gerrard, who has not played since the home game against Galatasaray on Feb 20, will travel with the team.

Barcelona could be without Rivaldo, who aggravated a thigh muscle injury during a 2-1 defeat against Real Betis. The Brazilian striker has claimed he played despite not being fully fit.